In today's quick-paced, volatile world, “just staying in business” seems to be common theme for today’s business leaders. With the growing presence of change and uncertainty, agility emerges as a key leadership trait found inside the four walls of those that survive. As if constant change and global macrocosms weren’t enough, we’re also faced with the risk of significant loss of critical organizational knowledge as Baby Boomers continue to exit the workforce; taking decades of experience with them. If you look at constant change and loss of key personnel as major cracks in a bucket, we’re losing a lot of water.

Another trend on the rise is the availability of low cost low-code/no-code software solutions that allow non-coders to create, configure, maintain and improve information systems on their own. The biggest benefit we’ve seen with this shift to low/no code is the ability for organizations to take a “process first” approach to using software. Local operational experts can configure software around process best practices vs. cramming the way you do business inside the constraints of how the software was developed.

One solution that stands out to us as an answer to the cracks in the proverbial bucket is through the power of custom course development.

The Power of Custom Courses

Custom course development involves creating tailored training programs designed to address specific needs in a way that is scalable, cost effective and easy to manage. With the post-COVID adoption of eLearning, it has never been easier to design, build and deploy organizational knowledge using low-code or no-code solutions right at your fingertips.

Whether you are a fan of in-person learning, remote learning in real time or a self-paced DIY (do it yourself) learner, the tools are plentiful for those with the desire to build and teach globally. Here are a few ideas on how to leverage today’s technology and proven methods to create your own internal courses for knowledge retention and quick wins:

1. Targeted learning: Off-the-shelf training materials may not align with your business's unique processes and goals. Custom courses, on the other hand, allow you to pinpoint your operational challenges and design content that directly addresses them. This targeted approach leads to more effective learning experiences. Think mobile, bite-sized nuggets of mini-learning using local language.

2. Flexibility: Businesses are dynamic, and so are their operational needs. Custom courses can be adapted as your business evolves. Whether it's onboarding new employees, addressing changing compliance or regulatory requirements, or changes in technology, custom courses are a great way to capture collective knowledge and pass it along to others.

3. Consistency: Custom courses ensure that all employees receive the same information and training, reducing the risk of operational inconsistencies. When everyone is on the same page, your organization can maintain a consistent level of quality and efficiency. By recording video lectures or group discussions via products like Zoom or Microsoft Teams, you can quickly accumulate a content library that is accessible for those that need it anytime anywhere.

4. Employee engagement: Engaged employees are more productive and invested in the success of your business. Custom courses can be designed to make learning engaging, interactive, and relevant. Employees who enjoy the learning process are more likely to apply their knowledge to improve operations. By setting up course assignments that encourage discussions between students you bring a collaborative element to an otherwise boring online experience.

5. Multiplying the impact with "Train the Trainer": One of the often-overlooked advantages of custom course development is the opportunity to "train the trainer." This practice involves equipping in-house trainers or subject matter experts within your organization with the skills to effectively deliver and manage the training internally. Certified in-house trainers can go beyond eLearning, allowing for a hands-on approach to practical and tactical learning. Think of in-house trainers as “boots on the ground” that bring provide follow-through of general knowledge and concepts that is learned in the classroom. The most effective learning includes elements of testing and demonstration of the new information that was presented.

6. Learning while improving: One of the best elements of in-house, custom courses is the ability to learn while improving. Classroom learning is great and all. However, nothings beats the experience of actually doing the task you are attempting to learn. Through custom course creation, you can assign “homework” to your learners that includes active progress towards a common goal. Clear examples of this is often seen with problem solving groups, auditor training, technical mentoring and project management.

7. Leverage existing software: Chances are you already have experience and licenses for the tools that are needed to get started. Solutions are likely already loaded onto your PC or just a few clicks away in your browser - Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams and Moodle. Before you go out and spend thousands on new software, take a look at what you already have. Most small businesses we work with are subscribers to Google Suite. The larger businesses tend to be Microsoft 365 subscribers slowly moving towards Microsoft Teams. These are two examples of tools that you already have. With a little guidance from service providers like Concentric Global, you can easily leverage existing software for huge gains in a short amount of time.

8. Customizing pre-made courses: An emerging solution in online learning management systems is the use of pre-made courses that are purchased “out of the box” with the added benefit of dialing in the details to fit your specific needs. Quickly add instructors, students, practical exercises, updated lectures and BOOM… you have a custom course that is ready to be shared throughout your organization.

To learn more about our in-house training and certification services, click the brochure image. To learn more about how we can help support your quest to leverage custom courses to improve your operations, schedule a free call or send us an instant message using the chat feature on the bottom right of our website. Good luck and keep learning!